BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

ANAESTHETIC – GENERAL

STAY IN HOSPITAL – 2 DAYS AND 2 NIGHTS

RECUPERATION – 12 DAYS

This surgery generally results in very relieved and satisfied patients. The reason for this being that the patient has either had to endure great general discomfort, including back, neck or shoulder strain, as a result of having to support over large breasts or has become unhappy over the years due to their breasts becoming enlarged for a variety of reasons and starting to droop.

By reducing the size of your breasts these problems can not only be eradicated but you will find that after the procedure your new size will be more in keeping with your overall body shape. Therefore you will also find that the problem you once experienced in finding clothes to fit you properly, all over, will become a problem of the past.

In order to obtain the best results your surgeon will discuss your medical history, explain the procedure in full and make suggestions on how you can play your part, prior to the surgery.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW WILL I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURGEON FOR MY PROCEDURE?

Although all South Africa’s leading cosmetic surgeons are highly trained and experienced in all cosmetic/plastic surgery procedures they naturally have individual, specialist areas of interest and expertise. Once Surgical Attractions has assessed your particular desires and aspirations concerning the outcome of your procedure we will marry them to the surgeon best suited to your special needs. The surgeon’s CV details will then be sent to you for your perusal and acceptance.

HOW WILL MY SURGEON ASSESS MY PARTICULAR SURGICAL REQUIREMENTS?

When you complete the Medical History section of the General Enquiry Form you will be asked to submit it together with a clear and reasonably close-up digital photograph (in colour) of the area of your body requiring surgery. Once your recommended surgeon has assessed your particular requirements along with your medical history and digital photo, Surgical Attractions will arrange an obligation free teleconference between the two of you.

At this stage your surgeon will not only be in possession of all the facts relating to your particular case but also be in a position to recommend the exact method to be employed to achieve the results you desire. Your surgeon will also be available at this point to answer any questions you may have as regards your surgery and the outcome.

You will be encouraged at all times prior to your surgery to continue getting to know your surgeon by asking as many questions as you like. On arrival in South Africa Surgical Attractions will arrange a personal meeting between you and your surgeon. Once again the method of surgery and the desired outcome will be discussed along with any other questions you may have. If at this point you decide not to go ahead with the procedure your decision will be respected.

WILL I BE ABLE TO BREAST FEED AFTER REDUCTION SURGERY?

Most women are unable to following Surgery however there are exceptions to every rule and you may be one of them. Incisions will cut across the breast ducts during the course of the procedure. However, if it is your intention to feed post-operatively, your surgeon will carefully avoid cutting through the ducts just beneath the nipples. This is a precaution but not a guarantee that you will be able to breast-feed following the procedure.

It must be borne in mind however that some women are unable to regardless of whether they have undergone surgery or not. A further problem relating to breastfeeding following this procedure would arise if the patient requires a larger than normal reduction. This in turn would necessitate additional tissue being removed, thereby lessening the already remote chance of being able to feed following this procedure.

HOW WILL THE PROCEDURE BE DONE?

Different techniques can be employed, however rest assured the final decision as to where the incisions will be made will only be taken in your own particular interests after careful examination of the digital photograph of your breasts.

The most popular procedure however involves an incision around the areola, another from the areola to just under the breast and another along the crease of the breast. Once these incisions have been made and the required amount of fat, tissue and skin removed, the nipple housed in the areola and the areola itself are then moved up into the desired position. Any stretched skin will be reduced, particularly that of the areola, and skin that was previously situated in the upper half of the breast above the nipple will be artistically draped in the reshaping process of the new breast.

Following the completion of the procedure small tubes could be inserted to act as drains to prevent unwanted fluids accumulating.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN PREPARATION FOR THE PROCEDURE?

It is advisable that you stop smoking some weeks before surgery to assist in the healing process and to help prevent any unnecessary complications during surgery.

You should also avoid the intake of Arnica tablets, Vitamin E in large doses, analgesics containing aspirin and many of the anti-inflammatory drugs some weeks prior to surgery to avoid excessive bleeding during the procedure. Your surgeon will however provide you with a more detailed list of do’s and don’t's prior to surgery.

CAN BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY CAUSE CANCER?

There is no evidence to suggest that breast reduction surgery or breast lift surgery for that matter increases your chances of developing breast cancer.

HOW CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Initially you will probably sleep quite a bit due to sedation but the day following the procedure you will get up and walk around for short spells. You will be somewhat tender to start with but after a few days be able to move around with relative ease. In order to prevent any complications such as unwanted bleeding you will only be permitted gentle movements. Indeed any unnecessary pressure on your breasts or strenuous movements like bending or stretching could be detrimental to your progress. You will be encouraged to be very gentle on yourself at this time.

Your stitches will be fully absorbable and for some weeks after your surgery your breasts will be taped to lessen tension and to help keep the size of the scar to a minimum. Application of the tape is an easy procedure and you will be instructed on how to go about it. In addition you will be required to wear a comfortable bra day and night for the first two weeks and then daily for the following four week period as a further support mechanism for your breasts.

HOW SOON BEFORE MY LIFE’S BACK TO NORMAL?

As in the case of most surgical procedures you will be encouraged to take it easy after breast reduction surgery. However after a few weeks you will generally speaking be getting on with life as normal. Strenuous exercise should be avoided until you feel 100%. It will be normal during the initial recovery period to experience the odd twinge of pain and discomfort - but any pain stronger than that should be immediately reported.

It is also not advisable to engage in any sexual activity too soon after the procedure. Your surgeon will advise you about this and at the same time stress the need to treat your breasts with great care for a good 6 to 8 weeks following surgery.

RISKS

As with everything else in life there are also risks involved in surgical procedures. No matter how good the Surgeon performing the Surgery may be, complications can arise. Therefore before proceeding with any surgery of any kind please discuss all your concerns with your surgeon and ask as many questions as you like so that you are in a position to make an informed decision.